Scott signs surprise medical bill ban, advocate thanks Post readers

News Article

April 14, 2016

Palm Beach Post

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed 20 bills including a ban on surprise medical bills — an issue where Palm Beach Post readers provided key examples cited in public discussion of what some advocates have called groundbreaking legislation that puts Florida at the national forefront.

“The involvement and feedback from folks in Palm Beach County was crucial in highlighting the face of the issue,” said Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate Sha’Ron James. “As a result of the Post’s interest in the issue, we received many phones calls and messages from consumers who had experienced surprise medical bills.”

In a public meeting last fall, James cited examples including a Boca Raton woman who said that she was forced to pay more than $80,000 to a surgeon who was out of her insurer’s network, even at a hospital that was in network. A Jupiter family offered an example of more than $20,000 in out-of-network charges. A Loxahatchee law enforcement officer and his wife talked about more than $10,000 in out-of-pocket payments and more than $4,000 in collection notices, even though they had insurance.

HB 221 aims to hold consumers harmless in such situations. It forbids “balance billing” beyond the equivalent of in-network charges in emergencies and certain other situations where the consumer has no realistic choice — such as an out-of-network anesthesiologist at an in-network hospital.

Education – This bill expands educational options for students and parents in prekindergarten, K-12, and higher education.

HB 7053

Early Childhood Development – This bill revises health and safety requirements for school readiness program providers.

HB 7061

Transportation – This bill makes various changes to the Department of Transportation and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, including implementing “Chloe’s Law” which provides additional roadside safety measures.

HB 7087

Health Care – This bill creates the Telehealth Advisory Council within the Agency for Health Care Administration.